How to Recover from a Bad Performance Review

Performance reviews are implemented in most workplaces these days and they are designed to look at how you are doing in your role and whether there are any areas of development or training you may need. There are different types of performance reviews, but primarily it will be a discussion between the employee and their direct manager. Many people feel nervous about their performance review, as even if they think they are performing well, it doesn't necessarily mean their manager shares their opinion. If you have experienced a bad performance review, it can leave you feeling embarrassed and upset. You may even start considering whether it is the right place for you. It is important to try and remain calm, no matter what the outcome of your review. These are some ways to recover from a bad performance review.

Clarity

The performance review is a two way street, it is not just about the manager's view. If you have experienced a bad review, you should get some clarity on it from your manager. It is important to speak up about your own opinion and whether you feel that any points are unfair. It may be that your manager is unaware about some aspects of your performance or they have misunderstood something. The clearer you are about the review, the more able you will be to deal with any criticism and to plan ahead for the future. If there is anything on your mind which may be affecting your performance, speak up about it. For example, if the working environment is a negative one, this may have left you feeling unmotivated. Whatever the reasons, it is important to explore these during your review, as this is your one formal opportunity to do so.

Plan

No matter the outcome of your performance review, it is important to plan ways to overcome the bad feedback. For example, if your manager has identified areas of weakness in your performance, be prepared to ask for training to overcome these aspects. It may be the case that more regular reviews are necessary to keep you on track. It is not enough just to tell you about any areas of weakness, your manager should also be prepared to allow you to correct these.

Positive Attitude

It is often the case that manager will focus on any areas of weakness during the performance review, but there should also be positives in your performance. If your manager doesn't explore these, don't be afraid to ask. Take any criticism on board but also ask them to let you know what areas of your performance they are happy with. The way you respond to a bad performance review will say a lot about your character, so it is important to keep an open mind. No-one likes to receive negative feedback, it often makes people defensive but it is part of life and it is important not to become bitter about it. Your manager has every right to express their opinion, as this is the purpose of performance reviews, and it is important that you don't overreact to criticism.